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Choosing the Right LED Tube for Your Project

LED tubes are a versatile lighting solution that can be tailored to almost any type of install. From illuminating homes and offices to retail displays and industrial spaces, they offer a practical and impactful option for linear lighting.

Whether suspended as a feature or integrated into fixed displays, LED tubes are used across signage, shop windows, ceiling designs and immersive environments. Their ability to deliver clean, consistent light makes them a go-to format in both functional and creative setups.

This guide explains what LED tubes are, where they’re used, and how to choose the right model from our range.

What Is an LED Tube?

An LED tube is a linear light fixture that produces even, uninterrupted illumination across its length. They’re available in static white, RGB, or addressable pixel formats, and come in a variety of sizes, beam angles and mounting styles.

LED tubes are commonly used in retail displays, commercial interiors, hospitality venues, exhibitions and content production.

Their compact format, smooth output and lighting control options make them ideal for everything from ambient lighting to animated effects.

Where Can You Install LED Tubes?

Thanks to their range of formats, LED tubes can be installed in virtually any environment.

Plug and play models are ideal for studios and temporary setups.
RGB tubes work well for displays, shop windows and event builds.
Pixel-addressable options enable animation and content-driven lighting.
Architectural-grade tubes are designed for longer-term suspended or surface-mounted installs.

Choosing the Right LED Tube

Each LED tube has its own strengths depending on the job. Some offer all-around glow for architectural or feature lighting. Others are ideal for event backdrops or quick display setups. To help compare, here’s a breakdown of Ultra LEDs’ top formats.

Lyro - Versatile Tubular Luminaires

Lyro is a premium tubular luminaire designed for seamless 360° light output in any orientation. It supports vertical, horizontal, and diagonal suspension from a single format, making it a flexible choice for modern interiors and architectural spaces.

Unlike most tubular lights, Lyro links magnetically end to end with no shadowing or visible breaks. It’s available in 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm diameters, and comes in standard lengths of 0.5m, 1m, and 1.5m. The luminaire ships with flush, colour-matched end caps, and can be customised with decorative metal caps in black, brushed brass, or nickel.

Its power cables double as suspension, finished in a fabric wrap with anti-kink coating for clean installs. Lyro runs on 24V DC and is dimmable with the correct controller. Standard colour temperature options include 3000K and 6000K, with custom CCTs available for larger orders.

Key Features

True 360° seamless light with no end shadowing
One format for all orientations: vertical, horizontal, diagonal
Magnetic end connections for continuous runs
Available in 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm diameters
Flush end caps standard; optional metal decorative caps
Suspension from power cable using fabric-covered anti-kink wire
Colour temps: 3000K or 6000K (others on request)
Indoor only (IP20)
24V DC constant voltage

Ideal for: High-end retail, commercial interiors, hospitality, feature ceilings, and design-led residential projects

Tagra Circular Linear Luminaires

Tagra's Circular Linear range offers suspended LED luminaires built for clean, uniform light across modern interiors. Available in 30mm, 40mm, and 60mm profiles, each version delivers 300 degrees of continuous output using 280 LEDs per metre and up to 2700 lumens per metre.

Designed for direct suspension, all models come with a three metre cable and mounting kit. They're made in the UK, built to order, and support dimming through standard control protocols including DALI, 0 to 10V, DMX, and TRIAC.

Key Features

Spot-free beam with 280 LEDs/m
Lengths from 500mm to 3000mm
Colour temps: 3000K, 4000K, 6000K
Dimmable with DALI, DMX, TRIAC, 0–10V
Supplied with suspension kit and 3m cable
IP20, 24V DC

Ideal for: Workspaces, kitchens, hospitality, and commercial interiors needing modern suspended lighting.

NTubes – Compact LED Display Tube

NTube is a compact linear LED designed for creative displays, temporary installations and high impact accents. Whether you are lighting an exhibition stand, pop up space or retail window, it delivers bright and vibrant illumination in a lightweight and adaptable format.

Available in RGB, single white (6000K), and plug and play models, N Tube supports a wide range of setups, from DMX controlled event lighting to easy ambient fixtures with remote control.

Key Features

25mm diameter with 300 to 350 degree light distribution depending on model
Available in RGB or 6000K white output
Supplied in three formats:
Plug and play tubes with UK plug and handheld remote
24V single white or RGB requiring a driver and controller
DMX and smart home dimmable variants with compatible systems
Lengths from 0.5 metre to 2 metres
Wall clips, floor bases and suspension kits available separately
End caps and cables available in black or white
IP20 indoor rated
Note: A visible dark spine appears along the back when illuminated

Ideal for exhibitions, window displays, gaming setups, content backdrops, home bars and short term commercial use

Chronos by Tagra – Pixel LED Tube

Chronos is a suspended RGB tube designed for creative environments that demand programmable, pixel-level control. Engineered for immersive installations, its 360 degree addressable output allows full-colour effects and animation across the entire tube. Each unit includes an opal diffuser for seamless light spread and is available in four lengths up to 2 metres.

Built for performance, Chronos uses a solderless connector system and 24V pixel control, making it ideal for professional projects where quick setup and reliable integration matter.

Key Features

True 360 degree RGB output with pixel control
42mm diameter
24 addressable pixels per metre (UCS1903)
Available lengths: 0.5m, 1m, 1.5m, 2m
Compatible with SPI or DMX
Opal diffuser and aluminium body
IP20 rated for indoor use
Requires 24V driver and pixel controller

Ideal for: Stage lighting rigs, suspended ceiling effects, retail activations, and programmable installations where animation or movement is required

Chronos by Tagra – Pixel LED Lightbar

The Chronos Lightbar is a compact RGB pixel fixture designed for low-profile, high-impact lighting. With 330 degree output and addressable pixels, it’s made for installations where movement, sequencing and custom effects are essential.

Available in three lengths and powered by 24V, the lightbar connects using a solderless system for fast install. Its slimline design, opal diffuser and black body give it a clean finish that disappears into scenic and event builds.

Key Features

330 degree RGB output with addressable pixels
18mm x 18.5mm square format
64 pixels per metre (SK6812)
Available lengths: 300mm, 500mm, 1000mm
Opal diffuser with black end caps
Compatible with SPI controllers (SK6812 protocol)
Wall mounted or suspended
IP20 rated for indoor use
Requires 24V driver and pixel controller

Ideal for: Stage designs, LED walls, light sculptures, DJ booths, and installations needing tight pixel control in a minimal format

Solinas - Architectural 360° Tubes

Solinas is a single-colour tubular luminaire designed for subtle, ambient illumination. Unlike RGB or pixel-based lighting options, it delivers consistent 360° white light in either warm 2700K or cool 5000K tones. With no colour changing or dynamic effects, Solinas is built for settings that require calm, focused lighting.

Its compact 30mm form factor, clean opal diffuser and dimming compatibility make it ideal for architectural projects that demand clarity without distraction. Solinas can be suspended vertically or surface mounted, offering flexibility for long-term display environments.

Key Features

Seamless 360° white illumination
Warm or cool white options
Available in 0.5m, 1m, 1.5m, 2m
30mm diameter
24V input at 14.4W per metre
Fully dimmable with standard and smart systems
IP20 rated for indoor use

Ideal for: Art galleries, museums, hospitality interiors, reception areas, and architectural spaces where clean, static white light is required.

Specification Checklist

Before selecting your tube, consider the following:

Length and Diameter – Match the format to your space

Output Type – Choose white, RGB or pixel

Beam Angle – 300, 330 or 360 degrees

Control Method – Plug and play, SPI, DMX, 0–10V, TRIAC or DALI

Voltage – All models run on 24V DC; allow 20 to 30 percent driver headroom

Mounting Style – Suspension, clip or base

Diffuser Finish – Opal, semi-opal or clear

IP Rating – IP20, suitable for indoor use only

3030 & 6060 Circular LED Tubes

Circular LED tubes such as the 3030 and 6060 formats are designed for installations where the fixture remains visible from multiple angles.

Their round profile provides a cleaner visual appearance compared with flat-profile luminaires when suspended or mounted in open spaces.

These formats are particularly useful in situations where the top of the fitting cannot be hidden, such as suspended ceiling runs, exposed architectural lighting features, or wall-mounted linear accents. The circular housing maintains a consistent appearance from every viewing angle, helping installations appear more balanced and integrated within the surrounding space.

Because of this, circular tube formats are commonly specified for:

• suspended linear lighting in open interiors

• architectural wall-mounted lighting

• feature installations where the luminaire is fully visible

• commercial and hospitality environments requiring clean suspended lighting lines

In these types of installations, the circular design can provide a more refined result than traditional flat-profile fittings, particularly when viewed from below or across open areas.

Bespoke Display Tube Solutions

Not every project requires a fully manufactured tubular luminaire. In display builds, exhibitions and scenic installs, a tube aesthetic can be achieved using modular components.

One common method is:

Circular aluminium tubing
Opal or frosted diffused sleeves
Integrated LED strip internally
End caps and cable entry drilled to suit
Mounted via clips, suspension or custom brackets

This approach allows full control over:

Diameter selection
Diffusion level
Internal LED strip specification
Output density
RGB or single colour configuration
Driver and controller compatibility

Using high-density COB strip or dot-free LED tape inside a circular aluminium housing creates the appearance of a continuous tubular luminaire without requiring a factory-built fixture.

For larger display structures, aluminium channels can be assembled into linear or geometric forms, with LED strip recessed internally to simulate tube lighting while maintaining structural rigidity.

FAQs

Are these tubes dimmable?

Yes, with compatible drivers or controllers.

What makes Lyro different?

Lyro offers seamless 360 degree output, high-end finishes and magnetic linking for clean continuous runs.

Is RGB the same as pixel?

No. RGB changes colour uniformly. Pixel tubes allow individual segment control.

Are these waterproof?

No. All listed models are rated for indoor use only.

Do I need accessories?

Yes. Some setups require clips, suspension kits or decorative caps.

Which driver should I use?

A 24V constant voltage driver, rated 20–30 percent above your total load.

Get in touch with Ultra LEDs today

Planning a tubular lighting installation? Ultra LEDs provides support with tube selection, driver compatibility, mounting options, and system specification.